Introduction and Questions.

Fran Hall RCR · 11-17-02, 02:19 PM

I just had a long look at a CAV monocoque car made in stainless steel,it is a complete car minus driveline,I think from a roadcar standpoint that you will drive daily it is a superb car,they come painted trimmed and ready to drop in your engine and trans.
For someone who doesn't have the time or inclination to build a car from scratch it is definately worth a good long look.

11-17-02, 03:36 PM

Les, I know there are several car down on the gold coast including some originals. Give Fran Kress a call as he know just about everyone down there with a GT40. (See the ERA and MkIIb adds I placed in the For Sale section for his contact info. I think that Luis, hotshotperformance@hotmail.com, is somewhere in Florida also. John Donnelley, GT3Corp@aol.com, who is developing a GT3 open roadster also knows of some cars in FL. Call him at 561-334-9555.

John Hester, http://www.GTSupercars.com, in Ohio is developing a monocoque car and plans to have a grand opening just after the first of the year with his prototype.

The GT40 is a very tractable car and several have been used as daily drivers. I believe it was Dan Gurney who said that even the race cars could "almost be driven to the store for a loaf of bread." (See the video of "Reunion at the Glen.")

40 Bud · 11-17-02, 09:42 PM

Les, There is no reason you can't make a 40 that is a good daily driver. Just remember to pay attention to the cooling system - install a good cross flowed rad and high output fans, and include a good method of getting the air out of the system so you don't develop air pocket hot spots. Cap of with a good a/c system and a good street engine and you will be very happy. Make sure you use the best available brakes in case you want a little track time.

Steve Toner · 11-17-02, 10:35 PM

You may have trouble finding an insurance company that will cover a kit car as a daily driver.

chip · 11-17-02, 11:54 PM

There is a sub dealer of the Long Island CAV dealer in the Ft. Lauderdale area: Was under FAV: FL Advaned vehicles. You can contact the CAV distributor. The FL guy should have a demo. Worth looking at.

kachina · 11-18-02, 01:50 AM

Hello everyone. I've followed this forum for about 4 months. IMHO the GT40 is perhaphs the best 'supercar' out there. I have always admired it.

I am within 3-6 months of buying a kit myself. Reading the posts and archives here have answered lots of my questions, and helped refine my decisions. So far I'm leaning towards a Mark I '68 era, single nostril, monocoque chassis with a 302 engine, ZF transaxle, and fuel injection '8-pack' intake. I'm only looking at 'complete' kits (minus the engine and drive train).

I've never built a kit car before. I'm not a mechanic, but reasonably handy, and 'mechanically' minded. I would probably have the engine 'built' by someone like Levy. One of the draws of a kit is doing it yourself. So I presume once I get it together, I should be able to repair or modify it.

I would actually like the car to be used for 60 mile daily commutes. I'm not a collector type; "if you got it, use it". It would be good to get a 'driver upgrade' (race school) and take it to the track occasionally.

Unfortunately, I have yet to see one in person, or be in one. Most would agree its a good idea to see one first hand before buying.

So my questions are:

Anyone in the Tampa Fl area have one, willing to show off?

Is it crazy to want to use a GT40 daily? There are lots of considerations here.

Assuming I have the money and time (say 400 hours) is it reasonable for a newbie to build one.

Thanks

peluchin · 11-18-02, 08:38 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 40bud:
Cap of with a good a/c system and a good street engine and you will be very happy.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What do you understand for a street engine?
Regards,

Javier

40 Bud · 11-18-02, 10:18 PM

What I consider a nice street engine is a 289 to 331 cu. in., under 10 to 1 compression, Hydraualic lifters - such as Crane HI intensity - a mild split pattern cam, a good hi volume oil pump, a high effeciency water pump and about 300 HP. Insurance should be no problem if you have a good record. It helps if you have a house and other vehicles to insure with the same company and broker. My 40 has been insured for street use, no milage restrictions,stated value - substaniated by classic car dealers valuation - $45,000 etc. Cost is about $800.00. I can lower that by restricting milage to under 5000 per year. Anything is possible - all you need is $$$$.

Mike Dozier · 11-19-02, 01:33 AM

Javier

I believe Bud meant an engine that is tuned
to drive on the street instead of one tuned
for maximum power that you would use on a
race track.

That means selecting lower compression ratio for everyday pump gas, a camshaft with specs for a flat power curve with lots of torque at "street" rpms, and intake system that starts easy, idles smooth at low rpm, and requires very little maintence, such as a single 4-bbl carb, or computer controlled fuel injection if the budget allows.

Of course everything is a compromise between
cost/power/driveability. 60 miles a day is pretty high mileage, so I'd lean towards
the conservative side to start with.
You can always add power later if you like.

MikeD